Moral: you can't be perfect at everything/mistakes are more common if you think you know it all
Short Synopsis: Porter loves at working at Brendam Docks and keeping it in good order while sorting out the trucks, while Samson takes great pride in knowing every inch between Brendam Docks and the Mainland. When Sir Topham Hatt pitches a deal with the Sodor Times to write an article all about Life On Railways, Porter wants to make sure he is perfect enough to have his picture taken with the Dockside team for the paper. However, when asked to work with Samson to fill an important order of goods across the Island, Porter has a difficult time agreeing with Samson on which routes to take, which winds up in them getting lost. In the end, both Porter and Samson learn that perfection isn't everything.
(Scene begins with a view of seagulls flying across the ocean view before zooming over Brendam Docks)
It was a busy bustling day at Brendam Docks. Salty was about to make his usual goods run to places all across the Island and Cranky was busy unloading the shipment into his trucks.
Salty: (as he backs on the trucks, looking up) Almost done there, Cranky?
Cranky: (grunting) Nearly…there…, Salty. (groans, as he loads a heavy crate into one of the trucks) There! (sighs in relief) Lift, load, lift, load. How does it go on like this?
Salty: (chuckles) That's the common thing with we engines and cranes here at the Dockside, Cranky. You know that.
Cranky: Huh! Well, you engines never actually have to load your own trucks.
Salty: Right, you'd be, Cranky. It's we engines who take the liberty of hauling it instead.
(Cranky sighs and rolls his eyes, as Porter whistles and stops as he pulls in with his trucks)
Porter: I see you two have been keeping yourselves busy this morning. As for me, I always have these trucks to keep me company.
Salty: You tend to have a knack with them trucks, don't ye, young Porter?
Porter: I guess you can say that, Salty. After all, I do learn from the best, eh?
(Salty and Porter chuckle, as Cranky sighs and turns around to unload the next shipment)
Samson was on his way over the Docks from the Mainland; he was a tank engine who happened to know his way from the Mainland all the way over to Brendam and back. But he still had a lot to learn. Sir Topham Hatt needed him to handle a goods special, and Samson was very proud of having this responsibility, believing himself to be the strongest tank engine capable enough of doing so…but perhaps not the fastest.
Connor: (whistling) Coming through! (rushes by Samson)
Samson: (comes to a stop, startled) Woah! I say now. Well…
Connor: (racing off into the distance) Sorry, Samson!
(Samson sighs as he whistles and carries on. Next scene shifts to Connor arriving at Brendam Docks)
Connor was taking some very important passengers to the docks in a special coach. The engines were quite glad to see him as he arrived.
Salty
And Hello, Connor. (honk and whistle loudly)
Porter:
Connor: (whistling, as he slows down) Hello there, you two. Nice to see you.
Porter: You too, Connor. (thinks for a moment, confused) But…what brings you here to Sodor?
Connor: (chuckles) Oh, I can't tell you just yet. It would spoil the surprise. The Fat Controller will be along shortly. He'll tell you.
Topham: Ahem. (walking over to face Salty, Porter and Connor, who all startle and look over at him) Indeed, Connor. And thank you for bringing our very important guests to Brendam.
Connor: Oh, well, no problem, sir.
Topham: (as the passengers exit Connor's coach) I see to it that you engines on the mainland have made quite a demonstration yourselves. Anyway, I am very pleased to inform you, Salty, Porter and Cranky, that these gentlemen are representatives of the Sodor Times gazette, and they are touring our Island as well as the mainland to make sure everything is in cheque.
Porter: In cheque for what, sir?
Topham: (surprised) For what you ask, Porter? Well, I'm sorry if this is late notice, but I've been thinking over this decision for quite a while, and our VIP guests over here have just pitched me a great deal. Once they see how well things run here on my railway, they will be pitching ideas to their editor for the latest edition in the Sodor Times newspaper. It will be titled Life On Railways.
Salty,
Porter and Hooray! (whistle and honk loudly)
Connor:
Topham: Yes, yes, now quiet down, please. (chuckles nervously, as the gentlemen stand by Connor's coach with fixed expressions on their faces) Well, anyway, the photographer will be along at the end of the day to take a picture of the Dockside team, so I want you, Salty, Cranky and Porter, all to look your bests.
Porter: Yes, sir!
Salty: We'll do our bests, captain.
Cranky: (chuckles slightly) Um…we'll try…I guess.
Topham: (glances sharply up at Cranky then back down towards Salty and Porter) Yes, well, it's a very busy day, and that's why I have special jobs for all three of you: there is a large order of goods to be filled in at stations all across the Island and Samson will be along any time soon to help out; Porter, I'd like you to work with him please.
Porter: Oh, sir. I'd be honored.
Topham: As for you, Salty, after you're done delivering your goods train, I need you to keep the Docks in shipshape by making sure there are no trucks lying around, and Cranky, the shipments needed for the order will be arriving constantly as the afternoon progresses, so please, keep on the lookout. (sighs, pausing impressively) Well, Samson should be here anytime soon, so it's best you all get started. As for me, I've got a railway to run. Good day, engines. (turns round back while crossing over but almost trips on the track, dropping his hat) Whoops! (picks his hat and dusts it off, nodding) Oh, dear. (chuckles nervously as he heads back towards his car, Salty, Porter and Connor chuckling after him)
But the Sodor Times remained rather dignified than to find humor over Sir Topham Hatt's slip-ups, and quietly boarded the coach.
Connor: I'm sure you two will do fine. Samson's quite a character once you get to know him.
Porter: (chuckles) I do believe I know Samson a little bit from working on the mainland in my early days, Connor. Don't worry, I'll manage. And I probably won't make a mistake either.
Connor: (whistling) Goodbye, then. (races out of the docks, much to Salty and Porter's astonishment)
As Connor left with the Sodor Times, Porter had thoughts of his own.
Porter: (wondering) I don't believe it. My very own photo. I do hope I'm good enough to be in it. I wouldn't want to disappoint The Fat Controller.
Salty: Ha-her! You'll do fine, matey. I guarantee it.
(Porter buffers up to his trucks and shunts them into a line. Samson chuffs into view, letting off steam and whistling)
Just then, Samson arrived at the Docks. Salty was quite surprised to see him.
Salty: Well, now, ye. I don't believe it. Samson!
Samson: (chuckles) Hello, there, Salty. Nice to see you.
Salty: Ha-her, you too, matey. Say, it's been an awful long time. How long have you been gone from Sodor then?
Samson: Well, I wasn't officially gone, Salty. The longest time I've been here last was to help The Earl build his new dinosaur park. But since then, I've taken a few trains back and forth a couple times around, introduced the engines to my fellow break van Bradford,…oh, and I even helped the Fat Controller build his new branch line. You know, the one that runs from Arlesburgh through Harwick.
Salty: Ar, well, it's been a while since we've seen you down here at the Docks. It's good to be having your company once more. Mind your pistons though, will ya? You won't want to be making any more mistakes now.
Samson: (chuckles) Of course not, Salty. I'll manage. I am, after all, still the strongest tank engine on Sodor. (beat) Say, isn't Porter meant to be working here? I'd sure like to see him again.
Salty: Ha-her, quite so, matey. He'll be along soon enough.
Porter: (whistling as he backs down beside Salty) All the trucks are in line now, Salty. Still, I can't wait for…(looking across at Samson, gasping) Samson!
Samson: (chuckles) Well, if isn't my old friend Porter. I say, it's been a little lonely on the mainland without your bustling nature, but I've still managed to get on quite well.
Porter: Oh, Samson. You wouldn't believe it. We've just informed about a photo for the Sodor Times and…
Samson: (sighs) Yes, yes, thank you, Porter. But we do have a lot of things to do today, and I really look forward to showing you how much I know about the Island. It's good to see you again, and you too, Salty. (looking at Cranky, who just groans) Oh…(chuckles)…and Cranky too. Yes, I remember now.
Cranky: Huh! (as he turns around towards the next shipment) At least somebody noticed.
Soon, Porter was done shunting all the empty trucks in line and was coupled up the back as Samson took the front of the train. The dock manager walked up.
Manager: (looking at his clipboard) These empty trucks are meant to go the Blue Mountain Quarry. I just got off the phone with Mr. Percival. He needs an engine to take them there right away so they can be filled up with stone.
Samson: Not to worry, sir. Porter and I will have these trucks delivered before the next ship arrives. Isn't that right, Porter?
Porter: Ready when you are, Samson.
Manager: Careful now, you two. I don't recall either of you know the route to the stone quarry entirely and it's not that difficult to figure, but it's best you both agree on it, won't you?
Samson: All in good time, sir. We'll manage just fine.
(Samson whistles as he pulls the trucks out of the docks, Porter whistling and pushing the train after him. Next scene shifts to them pulling the train through the countryside)
Porter and Samson made their way along their journey to the Blue Mountain Quarry slowly and carefully. Porter kept the trucks well in good order, and Samson was very impressed.
Samson: Keep it up back there, Porter. We'll be at the Blue Mountain Quarry in no time.
Porter: It feels good to connect with you again, Samson. How have things been going on the mainland?
Samson: Oh…, (thinking)…well…, things have been running rather smoothly if you don't mind me saying. My old break van Bradford and I work very well as a team, but he seems to be working with Gator today to keep the trucks under way. How about you, Porter? How have the Docks been treating you then?
Porter: Oh, it's great, Samson, Salty and Cranky make a great team and I've been really honored to have been given the opportunity to work with them. On top of that, there are many trucks to shunt and keep in order as well. (looks around nervously as they continue along the main line) Uh, Samson, are you sure you know where we're going?
Samson: Quite necessary, Porter. I do know a shortcut to get to the Quarry. I've been there quite a couple of times myself.
Porter: Um, I really don't think that's such a good idea, Samson. We should follow probably follow the tracks where the signals lead us. Therefore, we could avoid the risk of being late.
Samson: I think you'll find, Porter, that I am an expert when it comes to finding out the right routes. I have been on Sodor enough times to know every inch of track by instinct, and I know where we're going.
But unfortunately, Samson wasn't as precise as he said he was, and Porter had a hunch about this. Pretty soon, they took a route that Samson thought he'd recognized, which led them away from the main track around a bend. What Samson didn't realize that all tracks leading from the line they were on looked so identical that an engine could never be careful about remembering a shortcut.
(Scene shifts to a station platform with Sir Handel waiting as passengers board his coaches. Samson stops by the platform and whistles)
Sir Handel: (surprised) Oh…,(chuckles)…Samson.
Samson: Hello there, Sir Handel. (looking back) Here we are, Porter. I'm sure the station leads to the Blue Mountain Quarry up ahead.
Sir Handel: (half-suppressed laugh) Oh, really, now? Are you sure, Samson?
Porter: Um…Samson, I'm not sure this looks like any quarry.
Samson: (chuckles) Nonsense, Porter. What could possibly give that impression? (startles, as he hears Gordon's whistle)
Gordon: (stopping inches behind Porter) Express coming through!
Porter: Oh…(chuckles nervously)…sorry, Gordon.
Samson looked all around him. Everywhere he looked, he saw people bustling about the platform and standard gauge engines rushing by on the track. Porter and Samson have made their journey all the way to the "Works Station" at Crovan's Gate.
Porter: I told you it mightn't have been the quarry, Samson.
Samson: Oh, well, with all good intention, I mean…(groan)
(Sir Handel's guard's whistle blows and he whistles as he pulls away, chuckling. Samson and Porter quickly move forward and switch tracks before continuing on past Crovan's Gate. Gordon grunts as he pulls up on the platform. Next scene shifts to the Blue Mountain Quarry)
It didn't take long for Porter and Samson to follow the track leading away from Crovan's Gate, but it took much longer than expected for them to find their way to the Blue Mountain Quarry, where the narrow gauge engines were busy going about their work. By now, Sir Handel had finished with his passenger duties and had told his fellow engines all about it. When Samson and Porter arrived, the little engines found the situation very funny indeed.
Samson: (watches in confusion as Sir Handel and Peter Sam laugh loudly in his presence) Hmm, I wonder what got you lot all riled up this time. Porter and I are only here to pick up stone after all.
Sir Handel: It's great to see you again, Samson. But we thought you'd know your way up to the Blue Mountain Quarry by now.
Samson: I do. I just forgot where to take the shortcut. That's all.
Peter Sam: (chuckles, jokingly) Sure. Maybe that, or you took the express again, perhaps…by accident. (chuckles with Sir Handel as they both continue about their work)
Samson ignored Sir Handel and Peter Sam, and he and Porter carried on the stone hopper, where stone was loaded into their empty trucks, ready to be taken to Centre Island Quarry. However, the little engines were still teasing Samson for his little mishap with making his way to the quarry.
Duncan: (chuffing by beside Samson's track) Careful now, Samson.
Rheneas: (chuffing by the opposite, two tracks away) Don't try taking any shortcuts back now, or you might lose your way home to the mainland.
Porter felt rather sorry for Samson.
Porter: Just ignore what them, Samson. They're only teasing after all. Sometimes engines tease for my appearance, but I just let it fly right out of my funnel.
Samson: Well, it's not so hard for YOU, Porter when you're designated in a particular area on Sodor, is it? You're a dockside engine, and I'm a mainland engine. I go wherever my job takes me.
Porter: Um…Samson. Perhaps we can both follow that procedure by maybe…delivering this stone to the quarry?
Samson: Not to worry. We'll finish the job and be back at the docks in no time at all. (whistles and pulls away, Porter pushing the train after him)
Porter and Samson left the Blue Mountain Quarry and delivered the stone to the quarry all in good time. Samson felt proud, but Porter was rather worried.
Porter: Um, Samson. Shouldn't we get going now? We might be late with the rest of our goods deliveries otherwise.
Samson: We'll be fine, Porter. Brendam Docks is just the next stop after this one. We'll be there to pick up out next load of goods right on schedule.
But as the men finished unloading the stone, Samson looked at the nearby clock standing on the side of the quarry shed, and secretly figured that Porter might be right.
(Samson whistles as he and Porter pull the empty trucks out of the station. Next scene shifts to Brendam Docks)
When the two engines arrived back at the docks, Cranky was waiting for them.
Cranky: The ship arrived ten minutes ago with catering supplies for the Sodor Zoo and the Ulfstead Castle tea rooms. You two just barely made it back to deliver these goods all in a nick of time.
Manager: (walking up, with his clipboard in hand) Indeed. Thank you, Cranky. I think I'll take it from here. (looks at his clipboard carefully) It says here that the first load of trucks need to go to the Sodor Zoo and the second load to Ulfstead. However, you two will have to very quick, as an important load of goods has just been unloaded for the mainland as well.
Samson: Not to worry, sir. Porter and I will take the trucks all at once to make up for lost time.
Manager: Mmm, if you're sure about that, Samson, then go right ahead. I'd be careful with how you make your way around though. It's a long way figuring the tracks that lead from Ulfstead all the way to the mainland bridge.
Samson: I know exactly what I'm doing. Thank you, sir.
Manager: Um, okay. If you say so. (turns and walks away)
Samson felt very pleased by his decision, but Porter was rather concerned. This time, he didn't know what to say to Samson. He knew that he wouldn't take his advice.
Salty: (honking, as he rolls up beside Porter) You look a bit worried there, young Porter. What is it that'd be troubling you so then?
Porter: (sighs) I feel I've lost all hope, Salty. Working with Samson feels just like old times but…if I can't convince him to be more careful about which tracks to take, we're bound to late with our delivery of trucks for sure, and I won't be able to prove to The Fat Controller nor the Sodor Times that I'm good enough to be in that picture for the paper.
Salty: (chuckles) Not to worry, Porter. The Fat Controller knows you're really useful no matter how perfect you may or may not be. You'll do just fine.
That made Porter feel better.
In no time at all, Porter had the trucks of catering supplies and the ones needed for the mainland hitched up to Samson, and the engines were ready to go.
Samson: (whistles, after the shunter couples him up) Off we go now, Porter. Next stop, Sodor Zoo.
Porter: (chuckles nervously) Easy does it now, Samson.
Porter and Samson were busy hauling heavy trucks of goods once more. First, they made their delivery to the Sodor Zoo, where stock that was needed for the zoo animals was dropped off and unloaded. Afterwards, the two friends made their way to Ulfstead Castle, stopping at the platform by the castle tea rooms. The Earl was waiting for them, and was pleased to see that they had delivering the catering supplies all in good time.
Norramby: Thank you, Samson. (looks back) Oh, and you too, Porter. I know you too have been busy today, but I'm glad you got the flour needed for the scones and the condiments such as the cream and assorted jams served here at Ulfstead right on time. Stephen just had so much to here at Ulfstead that he didn't have the time to come down and pick it up.
Samson: Oh, well, um…no problem, sir. Just glad to have helped after all.
Norramby: I just can't wait for Sir Topham to arrive with our very important guests from the Sodor Times magazine. I bet they'll find this all so inviting.
Porter: (looking as the supplies are hauled inside the cafeteria) I couldn't agree more, sir, but I believe Samson and I need to be going now. We have some important goods to deliver to the mainland, and we're running quite low on time.
Norramby: Oh,…(chuckles loudly)…well, then. It would be nice if you two made your way then. Grand to see you both. Careful how you go now.
Samson: (whistling, as he leaves the platform) We're always careful with how we go about the track, sir. (to himself) Especially me.
Porter: Um, Samson, may I ask where we're going now?
Samson: I know a shortcut to the mainland bridge, Porter. It was a direct route I took while making my first journey here. But don't worry, I know where I'm going.
Porter hoped that his old friend was right. What he didn't realize though was that Samson had lost his way during his first time on Sodor, and was certain not to prove himself not to make the same mistake again.
Samson was sure he remembered where he was going, as they passed by through numerous signals on the main line.
Rheneas: Back so soon, are you, Samson?
Samson: (stops on the turntable in confusion) What? (looks around, then groans) Oh, no. We're back at the same place we were earlier.
It seemed as though Samson led the train all the way back to the Blue Mountain Quarry. The narrow gauge engines found this very amusing, but Samson felt rather humiliated. Porter felt a bit bad as well.
Porter: I'm sorry, Samson. This is my fault as well. I probably should have planned this route out with you better, even if you were the engine in front. (sighs) I just don't think I'm good enough to have my picture taken for the Sodor Times.
Samson: (confused) What are you talking about, Porter?
Porter: Connor came by touring representatives of the Sodor Times gazette today, and The Fat Controller announced that the Dockside team were to have their photo taken for the latest edition in the newspaper.
Samson: (surprised) Porter, you don't necessarily have to be perfect to have your picture taken for the newspaper. Why, only this morning, the Sodor Times visited the mainland, and we mainland engines had our photo taken for the paper as well.
Porter: (surprised) You did, Samson?
Skarloey: We all had our picture taken for the paper as well, Porter. I do believe that the point of a photographer touring the Island with the Sodor Times was that everyone could have their picture taken.
Samson: Quite right, Skarloey. Thank you. (looks back) You see, Porter? You didn't actually have to be worried about how good you are to be in the picture, necessarily.
Porter: I know that now, Samson. Thanks, and I feel rather silly for thinking that. But I wanted to help after all. Not every mainland engine knows their way around every time they visit the Island. Why, it took me time to adjust the coastal route of Brendam when I first arrived on the Island.
Samson: Eh, I believe it's me who's meant to feel silly, Porter. I'm sorry. I thought I know every inch of track around Sodor and I got us into this mess. Perhaps we can…work together to get this goods train delivered?
Porter: (chuckles) I'd be happy to, Samson. But if you want my advice, I suggest we head back along the main line and ask the signalman for directions.
Samson: Grand idea, Porter. Off we go then. (whistles loudly and chuffs away, Porter doing the same after him and the narrow gauge engines whistling as they leave)
Porter and Samson found their way back along the main line, and it wasn't long before they approached a nearby signal box. Samson's driver asked the signalman which was the quickest route to the Vicarstown bridge.
Signalman: Not to worry. Just keeping going straight and you'll eventually see the bridge in the distance. Good luck.
Both Samson and his driver were glad they asked, and Porter didn't care anymore how many more mishaps would have happened, not as long as he was still really useful to help Samson deliver the goods train to the mainland all in good time. (Samson and Porter chuff over the Vicarstown bridge crossing to the mainland) Both engines learnt that they couldn't be perfect at everything, and it wasn't long before the goods were to all the stations on time. Afterwards, Porter got ready to take the trucks back to Brendam.
Porter: It was very nice working with you, Porter. But I think I'd better getting back to Brendam now. Who knows when Connor will be back?
Samson: I'm very pleased to have had your help, Porter. It was a real honor getting to work with you again. Perhaps we shall meet again sometime, wherever our tracks may lead us, eh?
Porter: (chuckles) Maybe so, Samson. But I'm most content when working at the docks, you know.
Samson: I have the same feeling working here on the mainland, but a usual visit to Sodor usually does bring back good memories. I guess I'll be seeing you around then, old friend.
Porter: I look forward to it, Samson, I really do. (whistles) Goodbye, Samson. (Samson whistles back at him as he leaves the station)
Porter made his way back over to Sodor and to the docks just in time for Connor to return with the Sodor Times. Salty and Cranky were waiting there too, and Porter lined up in between as the three readily put on their photo faces. The photographer stood from the balcony of the office building and zoomed on the photo, close enough so that Cranky could be in the picture as well.
SNAP!
(Scene zooms in the photograph, Salty, Porter and Cranky all present in it. The photographer looks back at it and smiles)
Photographer: (as the representatives gather around him) Very good photo here, eh, lads?
Representative #1: Oh, yes.
Representative #2: Very useful.
Representative #3: Picture perfect if you ask me.
(The representatives of the Sodor Times laugh, as do Salty and Porter, while Cranky just slightly smiles and turns around towards the next ship)
About a week later, Samson was busy taking the Sodor Times back around the Island. Sir Topham Hatt was onboard too, and the latest edition in the newspaper was being sold from stations all across the Island.
(Samson arrives at Brendam Docks with a special coach, whistling loudly)
Salty
And Samson!
Porter:
Samson: Hello there again, you two. Marvelous to see you. Guess who I have onboard.
The Sodor Times representatives stood down from the special coach and stood in line in front of Salty and Porter, while Sir Topham Hatt walked around and showed the headlines of the newspaper before them.
Sodor Times
Life ON Railways
Porter: Wow. I don't believe it. Our very own newspaper.
Topham: (chuckles) Not just any old newspaper, Porter. It's all about Life On Railways and the photographs represents all the hard work from all my really useful engines on Sodor. I'm very proud of you all.
Porter: It looks great, sir. Especially the one of us here at the docks.
Salty: Ha-her! What did I tell ye, matey? You don't need to be perfect to be in any photo, eh?
Porter: I guess you were right, Salty. I'm glad to be who I am. What I've learnt over the course of these past few days is that perfection isn't everything, and I couldn't have learnt it better without the help of my old pal Samson.
Samson: (chuckles) I couldn't have learnt it without you either, Porter. I guess I do make more mistakes when I think it all. In future, I should be mindful that being perfect isn't always easy.
Porter: Me too, Samson. Besides, it's the hustle and bustle about here at the Docks that keeps me going.
And with that, the good friends set back to work.
(Here you have it, guys. Picture Perfect! I'm going to be honest, this story turned out to be a rush job and didn't turn out as well as I thought it might, but it was nice having another railway-focused story that centers upon two severely underused characters. Porter and Samson was a character dynamic that I really wanted to pull off, though I think Samson was an easier character to work with. Porter's was hard to do, since he's hardly had much development lately, but connecting the two characters was fun to do. Overall, I felt okay with how this turned out. I was busy with my college coursework and all, and now that I'm all caught up, I'm glad I got around to this, and I do hope to improve upon future stories)
Up Next…A Jack Of All Trades
Moral: safety first/everyone has special skills that make them unique
Short Synopsis: Sodor is having it's annual railway inspection and Harwick is inspected for the first time. Thomas tours the Railway Inspectors around the line, checking up on his old friend Jack. When Alfie is needed to work with Percy at Ulfstead, Jack is left to work independently in the site. He manages to get through his work, looking up to Oliver and Byron as role models to do their work as well as they do. However, his excitement eventually gets the better of him, and Jack ends up realizing that it's his own special skills that make him who he is.
I hope this one finished by the first or second week of October so I get around to Adventures Of Edward on my fall break, and Ryan's Ghostly Tale for Halloween. Till then, keep on the lookout for A Jack Of All Trades.